I guess I have to say that I don’t feel bad at all about being almost 50, because it means I’ve attended a fair few marriage ceremonies. I have some basis of comparison, then, when I say that Jerome and Shannon’s wedding was the closest to perfect I’ve ever seen.
A marriage, you know, one of those commitments not to be entered into lightly or with no thought.
First, the happy couple. Hardworking, intelligent, hospitable and good-looking. Once in a very long while you meet a couple made for each other and when you get the news they’re engaged you get all wiggly like a puppy that something good is gonna be happening and you’re gonna be invited.
The venue: on a near cloudless day, warm with a bit of a breeze, they married outdoors next to the pavilion in Deer Lake Park, in front of about 100 people who had flown or driven from all over Washington or Western Canada.
The bridal party: Three stunning women in beautiful red strapless dresses that they all looked good in and which they would all be able to wear again for a formal occasion. The groomsmen: two guys who go back to the dawn of time with Jerome, and his twin sister, who, uh, goes back even earlier than that. Joanna got to wear the same red gown, and the whole party looked great – and happy to be there.
The bridal costume: While I still think Cheryl’s wedding gown was magnificent, it was appropriate for her age and not being marriage number one. THIS was a full on girly girl, long train, beads and spangles, white wedding dress. It was exactly like the kind of dress 8 year old girls dream about, and it was quite funny because Shannon is not a girly girl, but she still had the perfect dress.
The ceremony started and ended on time. I don’t think the bride and groom recited their vows with quite enough intent and dignity, but that’s just me and they still got the job done.
The officiating dude: He was the possessor of a clear mellow voice with an English accent and he didn’t rush anything.
The presence of mind of the groom: While they were reciting vows, a small spider started down Shannon’s face (it had probably joined the ceremony during the picture taking just before the ceremony). Shannon’s arachnophobia is legendary, and Jerome dealt with it calmly. She was laughing at him as he tried to clear it off her face because he didn’t tell her it was a spider until AFTER which was kinda the right thing to do if he didn’t want her leaping up and screeching.
The reception hall was exactly the right size and there was an open bar. No, I didn’t go insane (I am up at 6 am the next day after all) but I got plenty convivial.
The music at the reception: from the last 50 years, but leaning more towards U2 and Aerosmith and Tom Petty and Tragically Hip and Pink Floyd, with Sinatra and Del Shannon thrown in. Danceable, hummable, fun.
The guests; fun loving. The table I sat at: All people I know and love, or would care to get to know better. The MC: a friend of Shannon’s who goes back yonks; he did a good job. The best man. Okay, I’m prejudiced, because I really like Sam I Am, but that was THE BEST speech ever. It was completely loaded with electricity puns. Loaded. pOp, if you’d been there even if you would have been roaring: All of his current and former coworkers were speechless with laughter, not the nervous kind but the kind where you are leaning on the table crying.
Food: really good roast beast and plenty of other nummy things, in abundance, well cooked.
The dancing: I was out there with a crowd of coworkers when Robbie B said, “Oh my god Allegra did you see that?” “What, the father of the bride delivering jello shooters onto the dance floor?” “How perfect is that?” “I think it was an epoch making day in Canadian history, frankly, and WE WERE HERE.”
The seating plans: Weddings with four parents – none of whom really can sit at the same table – don’t necessarily work all that well. There wasn’t any awkwardness.
Shannon said (she was grinning) during the bride and groom speech that she had made a Powerpoint presentation to the caterers, so you get the impression she’s a disciplined and organized woman. Well, I’d say it paid off, because Shannon and Jerome made the decision from the outset to throw a memorable party for their friends and family, and they got their wish. I had a complete blast. Many thanks to Mike for the ride to the hall and companionship during the evening…. at one point a photographer asked if we were together and we just smirked, while the other folks at the table laughed. And thanks to Jeff for getting me there, I appreciate that a lot.
Wasn’t that a party….. If any of my pix turned out halfway decent I’ll post some later.
